Lost Me Gained Regret



When Gregory announced he was visiting a church for a special reason, I couldn't help but burst into laughter. My mom shook her head in resignation, "It's all my fault as a mother-in-law. I've put too much pressure on him." Christine, hands tucked in her pockets, teased, "Looks like you've got competition for Gregory's love now."

"And to think he was such a firm believer in science over faith," I mused.

"Don't you start causing trouble," she chided.

I scoffed, "He's doing it all for our daughter. I couldn't be happier."

But I'll admit, Gregory's actions seemed a bit over the top.

Sure, a name is important, but did it warrant such a grand gesture?

I planned to have a heart-to-heart with him when he got back.

Instead, he slipped a bracelet onto my wrist.

"This is more than just a charm, Edith. It's protection against all calamities."

I was speechless.

Touched, I let my guard down.

The man who once thought he was above it all was now seeking divine protection.

Quite the turnaround.

"Lucius told me you went to pick a name for the baby, and you come back with a bracelet for me?"

Gregory pulled out a piece of paper, carefully unfolding it and handing it to me.

There, in neat letters, was the name Fidelia.

Simple, easy to remember, and would surely save her time on tests at school.

I actually liked it.

"Fidelia," I waved the paper in front of our little one, "Daddy picked this out for us. Do you like it?"

She reached for the paper, smiling sweetly at me.

Gregory wrapped his arms around us, "I want her to speak her mind freely, without fear. As long as she follows her heart, I'll always be there to support her."

I laughed, "You're spoiling her already. What if she becomes a little tyrant?"

Gregory kissed my forehead, "Then

it's up

o you to keep us grounded, to

a Fidelia and I don't f

away."

tono

A month later, I returned from the maternity center to Elmwood Villas.

The place was transformed.

My mom and Christine had redecorated, adding all sorts of children's items.

Stepping inside, I barely knew where to put my foot.

"Surprise?" Christine handed me flowers, "You've done amazing, supermom."

I rolled my eyes at her, then turned to my mom, "Isn't this a bit much?"

It was like a mini amusement park inside. Who keeps slides in their house?

Mom just smiled, "Nothing's too much for Mira. I'd pluck stars from the sky for her."

I sighed, "Loving Mira is one thing, but spoiling her is another."

of

Christine disagreed, "Our Mira is a princess. With her parents, godmother, grandparents, and all us being so well off, we can't skimp on material things. But don't worry, we'leave the educating to you. We'll just provide love."

With so many people adoring Mira, I couldn't dampen their spirits. "You're too clever."

Christine beamed, "Of course."

As she cuddled Mira, checking if the new crib was comfy, I turned to Gregory, who had been silent at the doorway.

"Do you think we've gone overboard?"

He shook his head, "This house is too small."Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

I was puzzled.

Gregory added, "We need something bigger."

And there I was, speechless again.